We are doing first and last nights at Crowne Plaza Festival City next month, as it happens. Nearer airport and huge suite for 1250 Dhs. I have also stayed there before without the family, so I know where everything is (which on a one night stay helps a lot, no time to explore!).

Then 8 nights at Zabeely wotsit as an experiment, as they have 2 bedroom family rooms which we got for Dhs 2400 via the Amex '4 for 3, plus breakfast, plsu $275 spa credit' promo. In theory we would get an upgrade as well, but that is unlikely as all they could give us with 2 bedrooms would be the top 2 bed suite, and I don't see that happening.